Written by Last week we talked about how loneliness in youth can result in habits of smoking and vaping. To get into the root of the issue it is important to understand what leads to the youth’s attention drifting in the direction of such habits. You might have noticed how vaping and smoking have become common among the youth. Whether it’s at a house party, during a break at school, or even scrolling through social media, it’s everywhere. But have you ever wondered why are we turning to these habits? What is it that we are looking for in that puff of cigarette? It’s not always about looking cool or rebelling. For a lot of people, it’s about filling a void—loneliness, stress, or just trying to feel like we belong somewhere. Let us talk about the reasons one by one.
The Weight of Loneliness
Loneliness is a word that creeps at us. The feeling is not always obvious, but it’s there, creeping in late at night when we’re mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or TikTok. We see everyone else having fun, going to parties, traveling, and living their best lives. “But what about me?” A question that leaves us feeling lonely or in today’s language FOMO, we experience the fear of missing out. We feel left out like we don’t measure up or “fit in.” It’s a terrible feeling, right? And that’s when the idea of a quick escape—a vape pen or cigarette—starts to look tempting. For a moment, it feels like it takes the edge off, like it’s giving you a break from all the noise in your head but tragically, its adding on to that void.
Trying to Fit In
We’ve all been there—that moment when you’re hanging out with friends, and someone offers you a vape. You don’t really want to, but saying “no” feels impossible. You don’t want to seem lame or risk being left out. It’s tough because fitting in feels so important, the fear of being alone is so prominent that you take a puff. It’s not always about enjoying it; it’s about belonging, even if just for a moment.
The Circle of Expectations
Life can be stressful, even for youth. Between school, grades, extracurriculars, and trying to figure out what you want to do with your life, it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. In reality, it is not but the age, the surroundings, and societal pressure make us feel that way, which is completely natural. Add in the pressure to have a happening social life, look good, and keep up with everyone else, and it’s enough to make anyone crack. But vaping or smoking might not be the lifeline you are looking for. Vaping or smoking might feel like a way to take a breather, to calm your nerves. But the truth is, that relief doesn’t last. It’s just a temporary band-aid for a much bigger wound.
Family and Emotional Struggles
In some cases, the problem starts at home. Maybe your parents are too busy to notice what you’re going through, or maybe they just don’t get it. You feel invisible, like no one really understands or cares. Picking up a vape or a cigarette might feel like a way to take control, to do something for yourself. Or maybe it’s a way to say, “Hey, I’m hurting.” But here’s the thing: you’re not invisible, and people do care, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. Things do change.
The Hold of Marketing
Have you ever noticed how vaping is made to look so cool? Flavors like mango, cotton candy, grapes, and mint—they’re not targeting adults; they’re targeting youth. The ads make it seem harmless, even fun and cool. But the reality is that these companies are selling them intentionally by promoting them as a “safer option” than cigarettes, which is totally a myth. Nicotine is one of the main ingredients in vape. It has harmful chemicals which can cause lung diseases and even cancer. The companies, just want your money. And once you’re hooked, it’s hard to stop. That’s how they win. Don’t let them.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re reading this and somewhere resonate with it don’t worry you are not alone. There are so many people out there who feel the same way you do. The world can be tough, and it’s okay to struggle. What’s important is that you don’t give up on yourself.
You are worth more than a vape pen or cigarette. You’re stronger than you think, and you have an entire life to live full of possibilities. Do not let that temporary escape steal that from you. Stay strong, and remember you’ve got this.
Here’s the truth: vaping and smoking won’t fix the loneliness, the stress, or the pressure. They might distract you from the pain for a little while, but in the long run, they’ll only make things harder. Addiction, health problems, guilt—none of that is worth it. So in the next week, we will see in detail how can we healthily cope with these emotions. Because you are not alone. Keep Reading Foramz for you daily dose of moral support.
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